§ 126. Mr. Teelingasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that unused balances of licences for import have been reduced by the New Zealand Minister of Customs to the extent of the alteration in the exchange between the English and New Zealand pound; whether he has any information that licences for 1949 will also be reduced to compensate for the removal of the exchange; and, in view of the harm that will do to trade from this country to New Zealand, what representations His Majesty's Government in this country have made to the New Zealand Government.
§ Mr. BottomleyI am aware of the decision in respect of 1948, but I have no information in regard to 1949. It is understood to be the policy of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand to relate the total import programme of the Dominion to her current earnings of other currencies. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are in full accord with that policy and do not feel that they are justified in making representations in the present case. They remain, however, in the closest touch with the New Zealand Government on questions affecting United Kingdom trade.